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Tuesday, May 08, 2007

On the Monday after Palm Sunday I went for lunch at Mariage Freres in the Marais.

It was empty unlike the day before.

The sunny skylight, the ratan chairs and potted palms, help you imagine you're sitting having Afternoon tea with Somerset Maugham at the Raffles Hotel in colonial Singapore...

Not difficult at all

Everything is ROUND and shiny and reflective. The Mariage Freres Naples yellow logo is all over the white, white porcelain.The teapot is a veritable mirror, reflecting back yourself and the luxe surroundings.

Mariage Freres White tea, watercolor

Their book"The French Art of Tea" is brought to your table so you can choose from their 500 teas. Aiee! Thank Gawd the waiter assisted and suggested a white tea to go with my salmon.

Here's the description of my choice on page 43 of T2223 DOUYUN MAOJIANG:

The tender young leaves of this tea from the Douyun district of Gui Zhou Provice are covered with a very fine down, and must be handled with particular care. Their silvery forms recall dazzling snowflakes. The clear liquor yields a gentle, smooth, sweet aroma.A distinguished tea.Who could resist?

I ordered the Assiette de saumon fume de Norvege /plate of Norwegian smoked salmon..

Very fresh, acidic, light and YUM!

A Matcha Green tea bun thing arrived unannounced with my smoked Salmon. Ahem...mushy in texture. I still don't know exactly what this was.

Did I mention that the Mariage Freres waiters are very tall, very thin, and decked out in colonial-whites. Are they freres? They look like they've drunk tea every single day of their lives.

Ahhh sweet CarolYour entry this am is very elegant, very "high key,' and your beautiful paintings are pristine, much like the white tablecloths in your pictures. And...could it be? I do believe I see your reflection in the pot, taking that final photo!?sjerseyboy

What a wonderful soothing beginning of the evening after a not so good day (this side of the Atlantic)! Made me forget and travel and have white tea with you, là, tout n'est qu'ordre et beauté, Luxe, calme et volupté.I think there's a train leaving Vienna around 8 pm, would bring me there just in time for morning tea. Will you come too, pleeease?

PARIS in yr Mailbox!

♥carol gillott♥

l'Ile Saint Louis, Paris, Ile de France, France

Hi I'm Carol Gillott,
My Mom taught me watercolors at 5 and I'm still at it. Now I live by the Seine on l'Ile Saint-Louis. Do consider subscribing to my Paris letters and maps on Etsy and enjoy a taste of Paris in your mailbox every month to savor with a hot chocolate and croissant. I paint Paris dreams.